The relationship between race and comorbid symptoms in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

Researchers have indicated that persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population evince higher rates of comorbid symptoms. While the relationship between comorbid symptoms and factors such as autism symptom severity, IQ level, age, communication abilities, and degree of social impairment were previously examined, there has been limited research on the effect of race in this area. The current study examined the potential role of race in comorbid symptoms in toddlers with ASD and atypically developing toddlers without a diagnosis of ASD using The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits - Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2). Based on the current findings, African-American toddlers evinced higher rates of comorbid symptoms than Caucasian toddlers and toddlers of other races. In addition, toddlers with ASD evinced higher rates of comorbid symptoms than atypically developing toddlers without a diagnosis of ASD. Implications regarding these findings are discussed.